Rumored Sources: Kade Ruotolo Making MMA Debut at ONE 167

[hswrestler]

Kade Ruotolo will make his MMA debut this spring, Sports Illustrated has learned.

His first-ever MMA bout will take place at ONE 167 on June 7 at Impact Arena in Bangkok. Ruotolo will compete in a lightweight bout against Blake Cooper, who is the younger brother of accomplished PFL fighter Ray Cooper.

There are few fighters in the world with as much potential as Ruotolo. Only 21, he could become the face of ONE Championship. Of course, that will require he wins–and does so in an exciting fashion.

Sources: Kade Ruotolo Making MMA Debut at ONE 167

Sources: Kade Ruotolo Making MMA Debut at ONE 167

www.si.com

Much respect that he's actually doing it.

 

[HuskySamoan]

Much respect that he's actually doing it.

Making his debut in the worst MMA promotion in the world. He shoulda went to ACA and shown us how BJJ works.

 

[hswrestler]

Making his debut in the worst MMA promotion in the world. He shoulda went to ACA and shown us how BJJ works.

I mean he'd be facing a bum either way. At least he's facing Ray Cooper's brother here.

 

[HuskySamoan]

I mean he'd be facing a bum either way. At least he's facing Ray Cooper's brother here.

I'm kidding, I just hope he fully commits, he's youngish enough to go for it. Unfortunately ONE is the worst MMA promotion in the game though.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

Hopefully he's working hard at the striking. Relying on high level BJJ seems to have a ceiling in MMA these days.

 

[Gio]

Much respect that he's actually doing it.

His MMA debut might get delayed a bit. He's fighting Mikey instead at ONE 168. Crazy

 

[that Indian]

I'm not a grappling expert, but is anyone here giving Mikey a chance? How big of an upset would this be?

 

[RemyR]

I'm not a grappling expert, but is anyone here giving Mikey a chance? How big of an upset would this be?

I mean it wouldn't be too big of an upset but Kade is definitely the favorite here

 

[that Indian]

I mean it wouldn't be too big of an upset but Kade is definitely the favorite here

Again, I'm not a grappling expert so genuinely curious: do you say that because Mikey is that good or because Kade is not as good as I think?

In boxing, there is a saying that a good big man beats a good little man. To my naive eyes, I think Kade looks at least as good as Mikey but is significantly bigger.

 

[RemyR]

Again, I'm not a grappling expert so genuinely curious: do you say that because Mikey is that good or because Kade is not as good as I think?

In boxing, there is a saying that a good big man beats a good little man. To my naive eyes, I think Kade looks at least as good as Mikey but is significantly bigger.

Well you got a good grasp of it. Kade is definitely on Mikey's league, is bigger, and is the favorite. Mikey is also very good though so I wouldn't consider it an absolutely massive upset but it would definitely be an upset if Mikey won.